Five Colorado restaurants achieved a significant culinary milestone this week as they received Michelin Guide stars for the first time. This recognition represents one of the highest honors in the culinary world and places Colorado on the map as a gastronomic destination.
Colorado Joins the Michelin Roster
Colorado now joins the ranks of the Michelin Guide, becoming the sixth region in the United States to earn this prestigious culinary distinction. Other Michelin Guide regions in the U.S. include California, Illinois, New York, Florida, and Washington, D.C. The anticipation of Colorado’s inclusion in the Michelin Guide was met with excitement after the announcement was made in June.
The following Colorado restaurants were bestowed with Michelin Guide stars:
Beckon, Denver (Chef Duncan Holmes)
Bosq, Aspen (Chef Barclay Dodge)
Brutø, Denver (Chefs Michael Diaz de Leon and Kelly Whitaker)
Frasca Food and Wine, Boulder (Chef Ian Palazzola)
The Wolf’s Tailor, Denver (Chefs Taylor Stark and Kelly Whitaker)
The Significance of a Michelin Star
Gwendal Poullennec, Michelin Guide’s International Director, shed light on the importance of a Michelin star for restaurants. Poullennec explained that receiving a Michelin Guide distinction represents a significant career milestone for restaurants and their teams.
It is an honor that many chefs work tirelessly for years to achieve. However, it also means becoming part of an exclusive culinary family composed of the most talented professionals worldwide. Restaurants featured in the Michelin Guide experience a sudden surge in attention from food enthusiasts, and reservations become highly coveted.
Introducing the Michelin Green Star
In 2020, Michelin introduced the Green Star, a special award recognizing restaurants with exceptional commitment to environmental sustainability. Several Colorado restaurants were honored with this distinction, including:
Blackbelly Market, Boulder
Bramble & Hare, Boulder
Brutø, Denver
The Wolf’s Tailor, Denver
The Expanding Michelin Guide
Created in France
Since its inception in the late 19th century, the Michelin Guide has grown substantially. Originally created in France in 1889 by Edouard and Andre Michelin, founders of the Michelin tire company, the guide aimed to assist their customers in planning trips.
This was done to promote automobile and tire sales by providing information on dining, lodging, fueling stations, and tire replacement locations. The first Michelin Guide, which required a purchase, was published in 1920 and was sold for seven francs.
Amazing Dining Experience
The Michelin Guide expanded to the United States in November 2005 with the release of a New York edition in 2006. The inaugural edition awarded 39 stars, with renowned establishments like Eric Ripert’s Le Bernardin and Thomas Keller’s Per Se each receiving 3 stars.
Colorado’s inclusion in the Michelin Guide is a testament to its flourishing culinary scene and the dedication of its talented chefs to delivering exceptional dining experiences.
